What is dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is a certain condition associated with menstruation, which is characterized by frequent and severe menstrual cramps related to menstruation. There are two classification of dysmenorrhea primary dysmenorrheal, it usually occurs from the start and typically lifelong, the extreme and frequent cramps are caused by acute and unusual uterine contractions. Secondary dysmenorrhea, it may occur due to a certain medical condition that triggers the painful menstruation some of the causes of this are endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.

What causes dysmenorrhea?

The result of dysmenorrhea typically depends whether it is a primary or secondary. Most women with primary dysmenorrhea can experience unusual uterine contractions as a cause of chemical disproportion into the body, specifically arachidonic acid and prostaglandin that manipulates the narrowing of the uterus. Secondary dysmenorrhea is a result of a certain medical conditions particularly endometriosis, which can be very dangerous to the health of the woman, especially if not treated. Some of the possible origins of secondary dysmenorrhea are:

  • uterine fibroids
  • pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • tumors, infection or polyps within the pelvic cavity
  • abnormal pregnancy like ectopic or miscarriage

Who is at risk for dysmenorrhea?

Although any women may develop this condition, the following are some of the increased risk for dysmenorrhea.

  • smokers
  • alcohol drinkers especially during menstrual periods
  • overweight

For more information, it is best to look for the best gynecologist that can guide you and provide you more knowledge about dysmenorrhea.

What are the symptoms of dysmenorrhea?

The signs and symptoms of dysmenorrhea are the following. However, not all individual can experience the same symptom at the same time; the signs may show differently from others:

  • headaches
  • fainting
  • weakness
  • fatigue
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • low back pain
  • pain through the legs
  • pain through the lower abdomen
  • cramping within the lower abdomen

The symptoms of this condition may be similar to other medical problems or condition. So it is best to consult your obstetrician and gynecologist for a complete check up.

How is dysmenorrhea diagnosed?

The diagnosis for dysmenorrhea starts, wherein the gynecologist doctor will evaluate your medical history as well as physical examination like pelvic examination. The diagnosis for this condition will be certain, if the doctor rules out other types of medical conditions, menstrual condition or medications that may cause or worsen the dysmenorrhea. Including in some procedures that the doctor may require are the following:

  • Hysteroscopy
  • Laparoscopy
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Ultrasound

Treatment for dysmenorrhea:

Particular treatment for this condition will be decided by the gynecologist doctor based on the following factors:

  • the patient’s overall health, age and medical history
  • the level of the disease
  • severity and type of symptoms
  • the patient’s tolerance for a particular procedures, medications and therapies
  • the expectations for the path of the disease
  • the patient’s preference and opinion

The following are some of the common treatments that the physician usually advice the patient.

  • Hysterectomy – a surgical procedure that removes the uterus.
  • Endometrial resection – it is a procedure that removes the uterus lining
  • Endometrial ablation – it is a procedure that removes the uterus lining
  • Abdominal massage
  • Hot shower or bath
  • Heating pad  within the abdomen
  • Vitamin supplements
  • Dietary modifications ( decrease caffeine and sugar intake and increase protein intake)
  • Progesterone or hormone treatment
  • Oral contraceptives or ovulation inhibitors
  • Acetaminophen
  • Prostaglandin inhibitors like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and medications like ibuprofen and aspirin to relieve pain.

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